Women Empowerment

Violence against women and girls: A

pandemic we must end now
Format
News and Press Release
 
Source
 
 UN RC Philippines
 
 
Posted
 
14 Dec 2020
 
Originally published
 
14 Dec 2020
By Gustavo Gonzalez, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in the Philippines

As we near the end of the year, the Philippines, as many other countries in the world, has been
in quarantine for more than nine months to stave off a global pandemic that has stolen lives,
mobility, precious time for education and economic security from millions of people. The end
is not yet in sight.

In a July 23, 2020 Op-Ed that I wrote , I said that “one of the most insidious consequences of
the pandemic is the rise of gender-based violence (GBV). Children and adolescents,
particularly girls, are confronted with violence and abuse, as a result of prolonged
lockdowns.” We recently marked the intensive 18 Day Campaign to End Violence Against
Women, a global call to action, and a powerful reminder that our work to end GBV is
unfinished.

For survivors of gender-based violence locked down in their homes with an abuser, the
COVID-19 pandemic is only one of the compounding crises that threaten their physical and
mental. Even before this global health crisis, violence against women (VAW) was plaguing 1
out of every 4 Filipinas who is married or has been married at least once in their lives. [1] We
know the incidence and numbers escalate during disasters but one can only estimate what
impact this might have on the whole country. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
estimated that there had been a 20 percent increase in domestic violence globally. A study
commissioned by UNFPA approximates that intimate partner violence will increase by 16
percent in the country. By the end of the year, there will be an estimated 839,000 women who
are married or who has been married at least once in their lives who would experience GBV
during this pandemic.[2]

It is our moral responsibility to elevate the plight and needs of GBV survivors even as we talk
about the perils and risks of COVID19. We have growing evidence however that we may be
failing individuals most at risk of GBV during this pandemic. UNFPA’s State of World
Population Report revealed that across the globe, from 2020 to 2030, there could be an
additional 13 million girls under 18 who would marry, resulting from the disruption of
programs and services, and economic challenges brought by COVID-19. When parents from
low-income families are unable to find jobs, the deepening poverty bought by the pandemic
can push families to consider marrying off their daughters in the hopes of a better life for their
children.

We also know that perpetrators and human traffickers are taking advantage of the economic
hardships of families. In the Philippines, where 73 million Filipinos, or some 67 percent of the
population, use social media[3] , the internet is a platform for cybercriminals preying on
women and young people. In particular, social media provides much room for abusers to
engage in sexual exploitation of women and young people behind closed doors and in front of
a webcam. Gender-based online sexual harassment continues to rise especially targeting
young women and girls. Widespread are rape jokes, rape threats, and other sexist remarks that
negatively impact women and girls. It is important to note that gender-based online sexual
harassment* is punishable by law, under RA 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act.

We cannot sacrifice or endanger vulnerable survivors by rendering them invisible,

minimizing, or denying their pleas for help and assistance. The Commission on Human Rights
has received reports that requests for rescue and assistance from GBV survivors were
allegedly dismissed by local duty-bearers. This despite a series of policy issuances requiring
and mandating the continuity of GBV services – medical management of rape, mental health
and psycho-social services, legal services, safety planning and case management, safety or
security services, and/ or residential shelter.

UN Mandate and Call to Action

The Philippine government, the United Nations agencies, and civil society organizations have
forged strong partnerships in combatting VAW with renewed vigor - harnessing our collective
tools, intelligence, and resources to adapt, innovate and continue to ensure that GBV services
will be available to survivors when they need it.

For example, UNFPA, with its implementing partner Coalition Against Trafficking of
Women-Asia Pacific (CATW-AP), designed six Gender-Based Violence (GBV) digital
training modules as part of capacity-building projects in BARMM. Such modules have been
presented and used with local partners in Maguindanao and Lanao Del Sur, and have received
incredible reception. As an expansion of this project, the modules are now part of the
certification courses on Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation’s iADAPT e-learning
platform. This move will strengthen and expand the GBV response capacity in humanitarian
settings.

Similarly, in partnership with the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and

Development , UNFPA held an online concert to call on the public’s support to ask our duty
bearers for the continuity of life saving care and support to GBV survivors amid emergencies
like the COVID-19 pandemic.

In other initiatives, the Philippine Commission on Women, DSWD, CHR, UNFPA, Oxfam,
and PLAN International organized a Data Roundtable that will map out how VAW data is
collected across multiple agencies and consolidated to generate an analysis of how survivors
utilize VAW services and where the possible gaps in the delivery system are. Better data
gathered can lead to better programming and service provision. GBV and COVID19 heatmaps
can identify where GBV and COVID19 cases are converging to direct and maximize human
and financial resources to where the highest incidence of reports might be. Or also an
indication where GBV reporting is limited and outreach and awareness-raising might be more
helpful.

In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) region, there is

continuous, productive, and assured coordination and collaboration among multi-sectoral
agencies and organizations to strengthen their GBV response and prevention education
systems. Co-led by UNICEF and UNFPA, more than 30 organizations work closely with the
Ministry of Social Service and Development (MSSD) to respond rapidly to emerging and
dynamic cases of GBV such as internally displaced women fleeing armed clan feuds or
returning migrants from Sabah. Whoever is in need, their coordination table works to ensure
that their traumatic experiences are met with psycho-social support, life-saving goods, and
essential services.

This year we also commemorate the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on
Women, Peace, and Security. The provisions of the resolution are classified into “three Ps”:
protection of the human rights of women and girls during times of conflict, the prevention of
sexual and gender-based violence, and the equal participation of women in peacebuilding and
reconstruction. In BARMM, UN agencies provide technical assistance and support in pushing
women’s meaningful participation in and contributions to the process and substance of peace
and security decision-making will improve the chances of attaining viable and sustainable
peace.

This increased GBV incidence and need for stronger attention on GBV cases coincide in a
year where the United Nations system celebrates two significant milestones: the 25th
anniversary of the Beijing 4th World Conference on Women’s Rights and the 75th
anniversary of the UN. These celebrations can be important reminders to the international
community, rights holders, and duty-bearers that our work remains unfinished AND that we
have the tools that we need to do better - to assure that GBV services continue no matter the
disaster, that vulnerable women and girls will receive life-saving information and protection
commodities as they need it.
The United Nations is doubling down and renewing our commitment to Ending GBV,
targeting Zero Harmful Practices to Women and Girls by 2030. We will not waver in this
commitment and continue to ensure that vigorous prevention and response systems are a
hallmark of the COVID19 response in this country and beyond. [Ends]

[1] Philippine Statistics Authority & The DHS Program (2018).Philippine National

Demographic and

Health Survey 2017 Key Indicators Report. Quezon City, Philippines & ICF Rockville,
Maryland, USA

[2]UP Population Institute (2020). Estimating the potential impact of the COVID ‐19
pandemic on key sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) outcomes in the
Philippines: Technical Report.

[3] As of January 2020, datareportal.com

Equality, inclusivity still sought by women

in Cagayan De Oro
By Nef Luczon March 9, 2021, 7:24 pm

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—As the country marks the National Women's Month, young women--including
those who identify as transwomen--said that while the fight for gender equality has come a long way, the
advocacy to debunk stereotypes and end all discrimination against women and girls must be sustained.

Even amid the pandemic, these women said continuous dialogues and active participation remain key in
spreading awareness to protect women's rights, promote greater inclusivity and respect for one's choices.

Schoolteacher Kristine Eblacas, 27, said the most palpable form of stereotype she has experienced is
whenever people tell her to get married as she is approaching the 30s.

Not only is this subtle patriarchal imposition disrespectful, but it disregards the women's inherent right to
happiness, which for her meant pursuing her career goals--something she thought would have been particularly
challenging for a woman if she marries early.

Worse, Eblacas said the notion that women should marry at a certain age seems to perpetuate a derisive ancient
concept that women are only meant for childbearing.

At one point, she said an acquaintance in her community insinuated that unlike men who can easily get married
because of their gender, women face "limited options" when they age.
"We should work out on respecting women’s choices, opinions, and principles on marriage. Stop pressuring
women to get married just because she needs to have a child before she gets older," Eblacas said. "Stop
dictating women with your gender-biased standards."

If a single, independent, and childless woman is happy and contented, "she doesn’t owe you an explanation,"
she added.

Challenging gender stereotypes and changing people's mindsets, however, entails a change in the way women
see themselves in the context of gender and development, according to Mary Rose Ratunil, a college student in
Alae, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

Ratunil, 21, said women should not only be seen as mere "targets of development, but rather as active agents
of these developments."

While she understood that some women deliberately avoid political discourse or taking a role in traditionally
male-dominated positions for fear of being targeted, Ratunil said true empowerment only comes if women like
her take on the challenge and lead the way in breaking barriers.

In fact, she believes women should seek out roles that challenge the traditional notion of leadership.

"Only few women are given the privilege to lead and to be on the position, when in fact women can equally do
the tasks," she said.

Views from transwomen

For individuals who identify themselves as transwomen, the challenges of seeking inclusivity and equality are
greater, despite the Filipino society's attitude of being tolerant and accepting of them.

Iztella Ubal-ubal, 23, who resides in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, said transwomen don't need special
treatment, contrary to what some people may assume.

All they wanted is not to be discriminated against in the workplace or find suitable careers, she said.

Ubal-ubal has been in a relationship with a 29-year-old partner, and the couple is raising an eight-year-old
boy--her partner's son from a previous relationship.

Both of them are finding ways to generate more income by working odd jobs, even sell online to make ends
meet.

"We (transwomen) have to work to put food on the table, but it gets problematic when employers would ask us
to cut our hair and look like men. Some employers are understanding, but there are only a few of them," she
said.

She lamented that transwomen still experience unsafe environments and bullying from time to time despite the
calls for women's rights.

Justine Gaabucayan, 23, also a resident here, sees the need to hold sustained dialogues to educate the public
about the plight not only of transwomen but also of the other people in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer
communities (LGBTQ+).

"Transgender people's experience globally is that of extreme social exclusion that translates into increased
vulnerability to HIV, other diseases, including mental health conditions, limited access to education and
employment, and loss of opportunities for economic and social advancement," Gaabucayan said.

"In addition, hatred and aggression towards a group of individuals who do not conform to social norms around
gender manifest in frequent episodes of extreme violence towards transgender people. This violence often goes
unpunished," she added.

Despite all this, the women hope the National Women's Month would remain a venue and an opportunity to
enlist allies and other advocates who can be their partners for change and development. (PNA)